Now, 78% of the more than 4,000 people polled by AutoMD.com says they will keep their cars at least 10 years.
“What is most compelling is that longer ownership has become an embedded habit for car owners, regardless of what the economy does,” said Brian Hafer, a vice president at AutoMD.com. “This significant lengthening of the ownership cycle looks like it is here to stay.”
Well, cars are better than yesterday. They don’t rust out anymore, and with proper care and more global warming we have no doubt they can survive at least a decade. But when the economy improves, we’re not convinced the siren call of the local car dealer won’t be more than many motorists can resist.
Few things in life can lift your spirits, however temporarily, like a new car. Here’s what AutoMD.com, a site that rates car-repair services, found in its self-serving poll:
Drivers Keep Vehicles for Over 10 Years
Over 10 years – 78%
8 – 10 years – 15%
6 – 7 years – 4%
3 – 5 years – 3%